Programs

Mission & Goals

Masters Program

Concentration in Gerontology
Graduate School Application

The concentration in gerontology is offered under the Master of Health Sciences Degree Program in the College of Applied Sciences (Master of Health Sciences Program). The program is interdisciplinary and includes courses in health sciences, psychology, nursing, philosophy, and nutrition. Courses in other disciplines will be available periodically

Program Focus - The Gerontology Masters Program prepares professionals:

• to promote a long, healthy, disease free, vibrant and well planned lifestyle among the aging individuals they serve,
  
• to contribute to the field of gerontology and
  
• to have a positive impact on the aging population in their communities.

Hours Required: 36 semester hours (12 courses).
The program consists of a 9-hour core, 18 hours in the concentration, 3 hours of guided elective and 6 hours for the research practicum or thesis.

Program Format: Web Enhanced. Face to face group and individual meetings with the instructor are combined with online modules. This includes on line interactions with the instructor and other class members.

Student Well Being: Students are encouraged to assess their own health and well being and to make needed life style changes. This is considered to be essential as they assist those they work with to reach toward a higher quality of life in all areas of health. Health refers to a healthy body, healthy attitudes, healthy emotional adjustments, healthy social engagements and healthy thinking.

Outcomes - Upon completion of the Master's Degree Program students should:

1. Have a strong knowledge base in the field of gerontology
   
2. Be knowledgeable about current research in the field.
   
3. Have further developed their writing, publication and research methodology skills
   
4. Be familiar with agencies, organizations and programs (public and private) that offer services and fund projects, which impact the aging population.
   
5. Have knowledge of aging populations worldwide.
   
6. Know the local, internet and statewide resources on aging
   
7. Know the policies, laws and systems that impact the aging population
   
8. Be in a position to make greater contributions to the field of gerontology through service, publications or research
   
9. Become (or be in the process of becoming) a local resource regarding their area of research
   
10. Have enhanced the quality of their own life in all areas of development

Admission Requirements: Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of B or higher in all upper-level undergraduate coursework, present an acceptable score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and provide 3 recommendations from former instructors or employers who are in a position to judge the applicant's aptitude for graduate study.

Graduate School Application

Computer Requirement: Applicants must own or have access to a personal computer and printer with at least: Windows 95/98 (or MAC OS 9.0) operating system, 266 MHz processor, (Pentium II or better processor), CD ROM drive (*X or higher), 33.6 or 56K Modem or better, Microsoft Word processing and an Internet service provider account.